The Chevelle Series/Model Lineup

It is often asked, "Is my Chevelle a Malibu?" Well,
that depends. This page will explain the differences between the various
series and models in the Chevrolet Chevelle lineup of cars. This explanation
only applies to the 1964 through 1972 model years. Later years added,
deleted, and changed the lineup of Chevrolets available.

Let's begin by clarifying a few terms for standardization and use the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as a reference
source before we answer the question.

* Division - General Motors had separate divisions
for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and GMC. Chevrolet
is division #1, Pontiac is division #2, Oldsmobile is division #3, Buick
is division #4, GMC is division #5, and Cadillac is division #6. This
division number is the 1st digit of the VIN with the following exceptions:
1964 - the model year was the 1st digit of the VIN
1965 - the model year is the 1st digit of the VIN for Canada
only
1966 - the model year is the 1st digit of the VIN for Canada
only

* Series - Each division has its own series of cars.
Chevrolet has the full size car, Chevelle, Camaro, Chevy II/Nova, and
Corvette. Within each general series there are sub-series (for lack
of a better term right now). Each division has its entry level offering
and several upscale offerings (not options, but separate series).

From this point on, only Chevrolet division and the Chevelle series
are described. Depending on the model year, the series names and engine
type availability changed as some series were phased in and out. Series
names are listed for each year below.

The major series designation for Chevrolet division (2nd digit of
the VIN) are #1 for Chevy II/Nova, #2 for Camaro, #3 for Chevelle, #5
for Biscayne/Bel Air (full size), #6 for Impala/Caprice (full size)
and #9 for Corvette.

Beginning in 1972, the format of the VIN was changed from a 2-digit
number to a single letter for the series.

The sub-series and engine type designation (3rd digit of the VIN,
pre 1972) identify the sub-series offering and base engine type. For
the Chevelle, again depending on the model year, this could be a 300,
300 Deluxe, Malibu, SS396, etc. For Chevelles, the 3rd digit also signifies
the base engine type (L6 or V8) for a given series. If the 3rd digit
is an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7), the base engine was the L6; if the 3rd
digit is an even number (2, 4, 6, 8), the base engine was a V8.

In 1972 the 3rd and 4th digits of the VIN identify the model or body
style as indicated below.

* Model or Body Style (hereafter simply identified
as the Model) - Depending on the year, the model name and availability
changed as some models were phased in and out due to demand and/or progress.
The specific model comprise the 4th and 5th digit of the VIN such as
#11 for a 2-door sedan, #17 or #37 for a 2-door sport coupe, #67 for
a 2-door convertible, or #80 for a 2-door sedan pickup (El Camino).

* Production Year - With the exception of the 1964
Chevelles and the Canadian-built 1965 and 1966 Chevelles, the production
year is the 6th character in the VIN. See individual years of
1964, 1965, and 1966 for their specific differences.

* Engine type-size - From 1964 through 1971 the
base engine type (L6 vs. V8) was identified by the 3rd digits of the
VIN being an odd number or an even number as described above. Beginning
in 1972, not only the engine type but the engine size and carburetor
type (2bbl or 4bbl) was coded on the VIN as a letter in the 5th character
position. Note this ONLY applies to the VIN and
does not apply the Fisher Body plate on the firewall.

The following lists will show the model year followed by the various
series, and finally the model availability within each series.
Again, the numbers refer to the VIN and NOT
the Fisher Body Number plate.

Note: Canadian-built 1965 Chevelles combined the VIN properties
of the 1964 Chevelle and U.S.-built 1965 Chevelles. That is, the
1st digit is the year (5), 2nd digit is the division (1), 3rd &
4th digits are the series, and the 5th & 6th digits are the
model. Example, a Canadian-built Malibu V8 convertible will have
the VIN of 513667 where the U.S.-built Malibu V8 will have the VIN
of 136675.

Note: Canadian-built 1966 Chevelle VIN is the same format as the
1965 Canadian-built Chevelle VIN. That is, the 1st digit is the
year (6), 2nd digit is the division (1), 3rd & 4th digits are
the series, and the 5th & 6th digits are the model. Example,
a Canadian-built Malibu V8 convertible will have the VIN of 613667
where the U.S.-built Malibu V8 will have the VIN of 136676.

(4) Series - Concours/SS396 (37/38)*
(4) Model - 4-door/2-seat wagon (35), 2-door sport coupe (37), 4-door/3-seat
wagon (45), convertible (67), 2-door sedan pickup (80)
Sample - 13880 designates a Chevrolet (1)
SS396 (38) 2-door sedan pickup (80).Notes: This is the last year the SS396 was a separate series.
Beginning in 1969, the SS became an option on the 300 Deluxe (1969
only) and Malibu series (1969-1972 only) and an SS-optioned Chevelle
could no longer be determined by the VIN. Nineteen-sixty eight is
also the FIRST year of the SS396 El Camino and ONLY year the SS396
El Camino could be identified by the VIN.

* Note the 13800 series could be either a Concours wagon or SS396
so one must look to the body style to determine.

(4) Series - Concours Estate/Monte
Carlo (38)
(4) Model - 4-door/2-seat wagon (36), 4-door/3-seat wagon (46),
2-door coupe (57)
Sample - 13846 designates a Chevrolet (1)
Concours Estate (38) 4-door/3-seat wagon (46).Notes: The Monte Carlo carries the same series designation as
the Chevelle (38). The models in this series were available only
with a V8 engine, hence there is no series designation number of
37. The Monte Carlo is not considered a true "Chevelle"
by many but since the series designation is the same it is included
here for that purpose.

Here things get a little tricky. As noted earlier on the page 1972
saw the introduction of not just the base engine type (L6 vs. V8) but
a code letter designating the particular engine installed. To help accommodate
this change and keep the VIN the same length the series designation
was changed from a 2-digit number to a 1-character letter as well.

The entry level series (31/32) became the letter "B"; second
level (33/34) became the letter "C"; third level (35/36) became
the letter "D"; and the top level (38) became the letter "H".

Six engines were available, 1 6-cylinder and 5-V8s. Since there was
only one available 6-cyl engine (250cid), all 6-cylinder Chevelles received
the engine code letter "D". The 5 available V8 engines
received the following letter designations: "F" for the 307-2bbl, "H"
for the 350-2bbl, "J" for the 350-4bbl, "U" for
the 402-4bbl and "W" for the 454-4bbl.

So the question remains, "Is my Chevelle a Malibu?" Yes
if in the VIN (not the trim tag) the correct digits or letter appear
in the appropriate Series section for that year. If the series number
does not match the Malibu sections above, then your Chevelle is some
other series; be it Nomad, Greenbrier, El Camino, 300 Deluxe, Concours,
etc.

Here's where you'll see the old adage that "...all Malibus are
Chevelles but not all Chevelles are Malibus."

This website is designed and maintained by Webs by Dale™. This website
was created as an informational forum only and the information is updated
as needed. Some mistakes can be made, but I make every attempt to keep the
details accurate. Webs By Dale shall not be held liable for any loss resulting from
the use of the information contained on this website. This website is the
sole property of Webs By Dale. Design, layout and website photographic images were
all created by Webs By Dale or submitted by readers and are not to be copied or distributed
without express consent from Webs By Dale in writing. Use of Webs By Dale name, logo or identity
is strictly prohibited by law.

All submitted photos become the property of Webs By Dale and may be used
for any legitimate purpose on this and other websites in the Webs By Dale
family or any print publications (books/calendars/etal) associated with
this author's efforts without payment expected or due to the contributor.
Submitted photos by any reader may be used by Webs By Dale for display on any other
Webs By Dale website without compensation.